LAHORE: The Punjab government on Friday shortlisted 50 candidates for the interview for nine posts of chairpersons of boards of intermediate and secondary education (BISEs) of the province.

The post of all BISEs chairpersons had been lying vacant for the last two years in the province and the commissioners of the respective divisions were holding the additional charge of these posts.

The commissioners of the respective divisions, including Lahore, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi had been heading the boards on an interim basis.

However, the government started the process of appointment of the BISEs chairpersons, inviting applications from suitable candidates. In response, as many as 250 candidates applied for the nine posts.

The process for appointing new chairpersons of Punjab’s educational boards has entered its final phase, with interviews of the shortlisted candidates conducted on Thursday last.

Provincial Minister for Education Rana Sikandar Hayat personally interviewed all 250 candidates as part of the selection process. Out of them, 50 candidates were shortlisted for the final stage. The minister individually assessed each candidate, evaluating their overall competence and suitability for the role.

During the interviews, particular emphasis was placed on candidates’ professional capabilities, technological awareness, and alignment with modern educational requirements. Their expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), understanding of board management, and command over the examination system were also thoroughly examined.

Mr Hayat further engaged candidates with regard to their vision for introducing reforms as chairpersons, including potential AI-based initiatives to improve the functioning of educational boards.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister reiterated that the principle of “no slips, no recommendations, only merit” is being strictly upheld in the appointment process.

He added that merit-based appointments would significantly enhance transparency and efficiency in the examination system of the province.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2026